Maryland was riding a 13-game winning streak after beating Virginia Tech in its ACC opener Jan. 5, but the rigors of league play has slowed the Terrapins. Saturday’s 62-52 loss at North Carolina was the third defeat in four games for Maryland, which knocked off then-No. 15 North Carolina State for its only victory during the span. The Terrapins will look to get back on track when they host Boston College on Tuesday. The Eagles have also dropped three of four in conference play and absorbed their latest hard-luck defeat with a 60-59 home setback to Miami on Wednesday. Boston College’s three conference losses have come by a total of nine points, including a three-point decision at Wake Forest on Jan. 12. The Eagles have won seven of 11 meetings against Maryland since joining the ACC in 2005-06.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (9-8, 1-3 ACC): Sophomore Lonnie Jackson has heated up since conference play started. He scored 16 points – his fifth straight in double figures – versus Miami and is averaging 20.3 in his last three games behind some torrid shooting. Jackson has connected on 16 of 25 shots overall and 13 of 22 3-point attempts in the past three games. He has hit at least three from 3-point land in each of his last five games to boost his season percentage from long distance to 39.4.
ABOUT MARYLAND (14-4, 2-3): The immediate issue facing the Terrapins is solving their offensive woes. Maryland has averaged 50 points in its past three games and its highest output came in the 62-52 loss to North Carolina. The Terrapins missed 12 straight shots at one point in the upset of N.C. State and were 1-for-12 from 3-point range against North Carolina. Taking better care of the ball would also help. The Terrapins committed 15 first-half turnovers and 21 overall against the Tar Heels.
TIP-INS
1. Maryland halted Boston College’s three-game winning streak at the Comcast Center with an 81-65 defeat last season.
2. The Eagles are 2-2 on the road after going 0-9 away from home last season.
3. The Terrapins rank No. 1 nationally in rebounding (43.1), well above Boston College (34.1).
PREDICTION: Maryland 76, Boston College 71